WOK star Ken Hom is to make a visit to an independent North Yorkshire home store for a special cookery demonstration.

The legendary chef, who introduced the stir-fry to the British public, is to give a demonstration of his culinary skills at Barkers Home on Yafforth Road in Northallerton on Sunday, October 2.

His guest appearance will be a rare opportunity for cookery fans to see the USA-based chef, who limits his number of personal appearances.

The furnishing store underwent a major £3.5m redevelopment six months ago and now employs 60 staff, after the expansion created an extra 15 full and part-time jobs.

Julie Poynton, buyer for the cook, wine and dine department, said: “When we were creating the new-look store, it was a personal aim of mine to have cookery demonstrations.

“But to be able to secure a big-name celebrity chef like Ken Hom, who is famous all over the world, was beyond our expectations.

“Hosting this event is a fantastic way to celebrate the opening of the store, and it is clearly going to be a popular event.”

Tickets for the demo, which takes place at 2.30pm, sold out in a week and there will now only be standing room for customers to watch.